Mountain View Elementary PTA Honored With National Award for Leadership and Excellence in Family Engagement

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aug. 28, 2014) — National PTA® has recognized Mountain View Elementary PTA with the 2014 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit for its leadership and dedication to building strong family-school partnerships. Named after National PTA co-founder Phoebe Apperson Hearst, the award is one of the highest honors presented by the association to recognize local PTAs that have effectively implemented its National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and demonstrated outstanding success in engaging families. Mountain View Elementary PTA was selected to receive the award among PTAs from across the country.

“Research shows that when families and schools work together, student achievement increases, schools improve and communities grow stronger,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “Mountain View Elementary PTA has put strong practices into place that involve families in the life of the school, and its efforts are making a substantial, positive impact on student success and school improvement. We are pleased to recognize the hard work and achievements of Mountain View Elementary PTA with the 2014 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit.”

As part of its efforts to reach and engage more families, Mountain View Elementary PTA established a "vice president of family engagement" position and a dedicated team of PTA members and school staff. This group focused on creating a welcoming environment and designing family programs that appeal to all demographic groups. Their goal was to ensure that all parents and caregivers feel valued and connected to their students at Mountain View Elementary School.

Mountain View Elementary PTA achieved its goal, and in the process, increased PTA membership by 203%. More than 260 volunteers signed up to help with family engagement events; over 180 grandparents attended "Grandparent's Day," 75 dads joined the PTA's Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program; and new volunteers were recruited to serve as delegates to important district-level committees, including the Loudon Education Alliance of Parents, Minority Student Achievement Advisory and Special Education Advisory Committee. "By participating in these groups, as well as in school board meetings, PTA representatives were prepared to provide updates to the school community and keep families well-informed on changes or improvements to state- and district-level policies," said Lorraine Hightower, president of Mountain View Elementary PTA.

In addition to being recognized with the 2014 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit, Mountain View Elementary PTA also has been honored with the 2014-2016 National PTA School of Excellence designation for its achievements in family engagement. Principal Jill Broaddus added, "The importance of family involvement in a school cannot be stressed enough. We strive to create an environment in which all who enter our school feel welcome and supported. With the help of our parents, grandparents and community we are able to provide our students with an excellent education as well as an exceptional learning environment."

For more information about the National PTA School of Excellence program, visit PTA.org/Excellence.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.